A NEW DISCIPLINE

Evening Star, Issue 23451, 16 December 1939, Page 20

A NEW DISCIPLINE

UNITY 0F THE EMPIRE NON. DOWNK STEWART'S ADDRESS The value of discipline of mind and body was stressed yesterday by; the Hon. W. Downie Stewart,, the. prmcipal speaker at the annual prizegiymg of the King’s High School. , In opening, Mr Stewart said tluit in the short time itj had . been in existence King’s High School had established a record of achievement that, any school might be proud of, and when the exscholars left to go opt into the world, they would be able to look bach with pride and say that they were old boys of King’s High_ School. . . Just as soldiers learned the, discipline of war, so scholars should learn to. discipline their mindf ,and, bodies. The discipline of war was different today'from what it w|iß in olden days, for whereas . then spldiets .fought in massed formation and ‘obeyed orders more or less as automatons, they , now fought in smaller units, each acting to a certain extent on.;its'o.wn initiative. So work. Boys were gradually leariiiiig to ■ use initiative, and discovering that, if they wished to find themselves capable of handling the problems of life, they would have to'learn to discipline themselves. , BOUND BY FREEDOM.

Once- again the >British Empire—- “ the greatest political miracle in' the world- ’’—was- being- put to the test in the crucible; of, war. .On this, occasion history was repeating itself, and never before had ’ the units, of ..the 'Empire been so United to resist-aggression. If the dominions had thought Britain,-was, engaging in a war of ■ aggression, it was doubtful whether they would have, sprung to arms as they had done,. But .they knew that' she was fighting for freedom of thought .and freedom.of cpn-; science, and against the oppression of smaller and weaker nations, militarism and aggression. “ Britain alone, the speaker concluded,, “ has, learned the. secret, that if you wish to bind men to you, you must leave them free. This has ■ bound all her children to her with passionate attachment and .made them spring to arms almost before they were called for. . She is the great hope of freedom-rloving countries,- and we can consider ourselves fortunate that we are living within the orbit of her august prestige.” CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS.

Mr -W. R. Brugh, chairriian of the Board of Governors, who presided at the ceremony, previously .traversed the activities of the year, which, although not spectacular, he said, had been oiie of quiet scholastic achievement. There had, however, been several important additions and extensions to the school; and the result was that King’s High now had an assembly hall' to be proud of, and there was probably no school in New Zealand with, better playing grounds. At the conclusion of the presentation of prizes, Mr 6.' Stratton moved a vote of thanks to the rector, the staff, and the Board of, Governors, the rector (Mr D. S. Chisholm) replying. At the. intervals ' during the ceremony several songs were sung by the boys.